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At the end of last season, an MRI exam revealed that Kalish had a tear in the labrum of his right (non-throwing) shoulder, the same injury that caused the 24-year-old outfielder to have surgery on his left shoulder in November 2011. But the Red Sox' medical staff, as well as an independent doctor with whom Kalish sought a second opinion, recommended a conservative course of treatment, namely a suitable amount of rest during the offseason.

"We decided -- and we all believed in it, including myself -- that it would be a good thing to just do a normal offseason, get strong," Kalish said Wednesday. "And i was feeling really good."

But when Kalish tried swinging a bat last month, the pain -- "a sharp, stabbing feeling," he said, especially when he tried to hit outside pitches -- had not subsided.

And just like that, Kalish's worst nightmare became reality.

Two weeks ago, Kalish had another surgery, his third in less than three years, Dr. Lewis Yocum placing two anchors in his right shoulder. He reported to spring training Wednesday, but unlike his Red Sox teammates, he's preparing not for a season but rather for a rehabilitation that will range from 4-6 months.

"Honestly, I've been really down," said Kalish, who otherwise would have competed for playing time as a left-handed-hitting complement to left fielder Jonny Gomes. "I kind of disappeared. I know i didn't talk to some (reporters), and I apologize."

Ironically, it was a rash of injuries that caused the Red Sox to call up Kalish on July 31, 2010. In 53 games, he batted .252 with four home runs, 24 RBI and a .710 on-base plus slugging percentage, bringing a measure of energy and aggressiveness to the lineup. But the Red Sox signed left fielder Carl Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million before the 2011 season, leaving Kalish to start the season at Triple-A Pawtucket. He was injured in April while trying to make a diving catch, and he hasn't been healthy since, dealing with pain in his neck and both shoulders.

After recovering from left shoulder surgery, Kalish thought his problems were behind him when the Red Sox called him up last summer. But the weakness had spread to his right shoulder, likely as a result of trying to overcompensate for his left. Things got so bad that Kalish was limited to only 12 plate appearances in September.

And so, it came to this: Kalish made the wrenching decision to go under the knife again.

"With what I've been through already, the last thing I wanted to do was have another surgery," Kalish said. "We decided to keep pushing through and keep trying. Eventually, after a couple shutdowns and more strengthening, and as soon as you pick up the swinging, it hurts again, I had to make the call and just say, 'I can't do this anymore.' One thing is the pain, but the other is my head.

"It's been really tough for me. I really just want to play again, whatever level. Obviously, I want to play in the big leagues, but I'm tired of being hurt. It's just been a crazy ride ever since 2010."